30th October 2009
After our chat with Trystan last night we decided to extend our car hire until 19th November as it is just easier to get around by car, it also gives us access to some of the smaller and more intimate hostels which are a little more off the beaten track. Unfortunately we have to return the car to Auckland, but this also gives us the opportunity to take the train to Wellington, which is something we had wanted to do, but didn’t think we’d get the chance since we’d miss too much in between. So actually this way we get the best of both worlds.
The car? Well, we asked for 4 wheels and an engine and that’s what we got, a Toyota Starlett, a bit battered, nearly 200,000 kms on the clock and a four speed gearbox, but at $19 (£8) a day it’s perfect for our needs.
Off we set heading north of Auckland. The rolling green and forest covered hills are reminiscent of home and what with driving on the left we soon felt right at home. Our first stop was for a coffee and cake at Warkworth, a pleasant little town about 1.5 hours north of Auckland. After our pitstop we decided to check out some of the deserted beaches that line the coast. First stop was Mangawhai Heads where we could see out to the Chicken and Hen islands (named by Capitain Cook himself!). A golden stretch of sand with surf rolling in and very few people - idyllic :).
Heading on up the coast we called in at the amusingly named Waipu for a pizza lunch at a local pub - really good it was too, before continuing onto our destination for the evening, Whangarei.
The Lonely Planet describes our accommodation for the next 2 nights as “One of the very best hostels, Little Earth might spoil you for all the rest” and I’m happy to say we certainly weren’t disappointed. A lovely hostel, decorated with Balinese furnishings and just like a proper home with a proper bathroom and only 6 rooms all set in rolling farmland complete with chickens, Mutley the dog and Tom and Jerry the Shetland Ponies. A truly delightful spot.
After heading into town for supplies, we just sat back and relaxed.